George Michael, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face | COVERS

In the 41^st edition of COVERS (2023), George Michael delivers a compelling rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” famously recorded by Roberta Flack.

AAh, it’s time to get cozy and totally cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers, as opposed to the original/most famous performer.  It is open to both established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 41^st edition of COVERS (2023), George Michael delivers a compelling rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”, famous recorded by Roberta Flack.

“The first time ever I kissed your mouth / I felt the earth move in my hands…” Aww .  “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” appears as the fifth track from Songs From The Last Century, the 1999 covers album by the late, great, Grammy-winning pop superstar, George Michael.  No doubt that “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is a song from the last century, penned by British singer, songwriter, and playwright Ewan MacColl in 1957 – 42 years before Michael recorded it! One of the most covered songs, with its most famous rendition by Roberta Flack, Michael manages to deliver his marvelous interpretation.

Like many renditions of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” simplicity is the key. A poetic yet subtle song, it doesn’t require an ornate backdrop or gospel histrionics vocally.  George Michael impresses with his beautiful tone and a poised, calm, cool, and collected performance.  Simply put, George doesn’t need to do much more than sing naturally – no runs necessary! As far as the supporting backdrop, it begins initially with the standard rhythm section – piano, guitar, bass, and drums.  Providing some additional color is orchestra, but it’s non troppo – maintaining restraint.  An animated vocalist, hearing Michael pull back on “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is refreshing, letting the radiant lyrics, and his special instrument shine bright like a diamond .

George Michael • Songs From The Last Century • Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited • 1999

George Michael, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face: Covers No. 41 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited; cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Ron Lach from Pexels; Paul Brennan from Pixabay]